MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 18, 2014) – Lieutenant General Gregorio Catapang Jr. has formally assumed as the new Philippine military chief, replacing General Emmanuel Bautista who retired on Friday.
President Aquino led the ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo and attended by senior military and police commanders, including government officials and foreign dignitaries.
Catapang, who graduated at the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, was the chief of the Northern Luzon Command, before he was named as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The AFP described Catapang as a bemadalled officer who moved on with his career carrying an “excellent standard of performance, fine leadership, and a keen vision that resulted in accomplishments, both in garrison and field tours of duty.”
Catapang, who was born on July 11, 1959 in Manila, held various positions in the military in the past, mostly on the island of Luzon. “His achievements and his service have been duly recognized through the awards and commendations he has received, such as two Distinguished Service Star Awards; three Gold Cross Medals; five Outstanding Achievement Medals; one Bronze Cross Medal; sixteen Military Merit Medals and Military Commendation Medals; three Combat “Kagitingan” Badges; various Letters of Commendation and Badges,” the AFP said.
Catapang also finished his primary and secondary education in Claret School also Manila and then entered the military academy in Baguio City in northern Luzon. (Mindanao Examiner)
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